february the first.

I miss this. Waking up slowly, settled at the kitchen table with a grapefruit drizzled in honey, a bowl of granola, and through the curtains - a single ray of morning sunlight on my book. In the evening, a walk at golden hour, snapping away in a luminescent wind tunnel of cattail seeds. Practicing für elise in an empty house, and that luxury of making the first footprints in a fresh blanket of snow. That was semester break, in a nutshell. The fact that I'm now back in school does not strike a fancy with me, but I'll make this week better by finishing off my first roll of film (and leaving my digital photos unedited), embracing that one class I do love (canadian history), and the occasional phone conversation with nana and grampy (just because they're my favourite). Happy february, friends. 

holiday photographs and a surprise.

I'm so thankful. This break has blessed me with good day after good day. 

On this particular one, some good friends and I launched 'The Project' we've been whispering so much about. This is our Fernweh, a collective guide to life made lovely. Why don't you come on over and say hello? 

xo

hello, break.

It's been so very quiet around here. I apologize. But quite honestly, I need a break. Thank goodness -- that break officially begins today.

So, thus begins seventeen glorious (school-free) days of respite. I leave you with a festive treat. 

white chocolate rock.

>> 2 cups white chocolate discs

>> red or green food colouring 

>> 2 peppermint candy canes (crushed). 

Melt chocolate in the microwave on medium power, stirring every minute. Pour onto parchment paper and spread with back of spoon. Drop food colouring (two to three drops) over chocolate. Swirl with a knife. Sprinkle with candy cane. Let cool, and when hardened, break apart into bite-sized pieces. 

Enjoy! I'm off to a ugly christmas sweater party with friends.

xo

lately.

the weepies + chalk typography. such a good combination.

Cough, cough, cough. Cough. Cough. Apparently, that's how I say 'hello' these days. On top of my lifelong cold (i was born with a cold. yes, seriously.), I've been feeling a little under the weather lately. It's not so fun.

Thankfully, there's copious amounts of apple cinnamon tea in the cupboard and a plenitude of gifts just waiting to be wrapped. Plus, I've got an awesome sister who will venture outside with me to take photos, even when it's three-pairs-of-socks weather. I like her.

xo

ps. any good book suggestions? this sickly girl is in desperate need of some reading material.

it's the simple things.

It felt therapeutic, almost, gathering the twigs and arranging them in the vases. With each autumnal-hued vase perfected, I fell more and more in love with the season.

It's the simple things, like twigs in vases, that get me through the school week. Little breaks from routine. My chalkboard wall has been put to good use on Sunday evenings, acting as a notepad for lists. Lists of things I'm look looking forward to in the upcoming week.

Last week was sunsets and heart-to-hearts with good friends {one of which took place on top of a helicopter-shaped play structure. oh, yes.}

from carlotta's little siblings -- meme, lilly, & jeremiah. heart. melted.

Last week was sitting at the kitchen table, writing and reading sweet letters {from you, you, & you}. Have I mentioned how much I love snail mail?

Last week was pretty videos and feeling inspired.

Last week was photography in art class -- which meant a photo expedition with this girl, who takes the most amazing film photos. Seriously.

And last week was the first Autumn trail walk of the year. Need I say more?

Looking back at all the beautiful in last week, I realize that i can make this week just as lovely. It's the simple things.

xo,

abbey

this is life.

These last few weeks of Summer are going to be all over the place, and quite frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

A little impromptu "vacation'' to my grandparent's house was the perfect way to spend this past weekend.

Museums and library basements were explored, while sweet vintage shoppes were swooned over. Sleepovers were had with my two favourite girls {sister & best friend}, in which accents were attempted and laughter was stifled {as we did not want to wake our poor grandparents, who already had to put up with our craziness during the day. ;)}

'Watch a film at the drive-in, while sitting in the back of a truck.' It's something I've been wanting to check off my bucket list for ages. I know, it's not the most glamorous way to watch a movie, but that just makes it all the more exciting. Nestled in a mound of quilts and pillows on the night of a meteor shower {shooting star count: seven}, I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Of course, we had to have one last Summer playdate with 'the littles'.

They were just as sweet as ever. I seriously cannot get enough of them.

When their little hands aren't filled with cherry tomatoes or tiny toads, they're usually interlocked with mine, or grasped tightly on my shoulders for a piggyback ride.

I already miss them a ton, but I'm happy to be home for the week. It's going to be a week of swimming, room-painting/decorating, and relaxing on granny square afghans {like i am, this very moment}.

What's your week looking like so far?

xo,

Abbey